Synth & Studio Docs Archive

These are mostly PDF files, unless otherwise noted. File sizes are large, due to
grayscale 200 dpi scans for most items, which are better for accurate schematic
print-outs and zooming in to view assembly drawing sections, patch charts, etc. A few items are lower res scans that I have picked up from around the 'net over the years.

Simply clicking on the document links below should begin an automatic file download, probably to your default Downloads folder configured for your browser. Or you can always do the right-click>download-file-as option for other locations.

I've created a "Textbooks" section below for old EM texts in fear of being lost. Some textbooks will also appear within manufacturer docs if they are machine specific.

A/DA

I authored and illustrated this manual, after working on delay line prototyping and PCB development with Dave. This was such a fun device to work on. And, if you have one, you know how fun it is to use. The manual had 6 pages of blank patch charts, but I just scanned one of the blank charts.

Both the Owners and Service manuals and field change bulletin for the venerable 2-note analog keyboard from ARP. Primarily seen and used with their 2600 systems. But a great live performance keyboard for use with ANY 1v/o system!

There are many copies of the Sequencer service manual around the net. But, in all my years of searching, I've never seen the Users Manual. So ... Here ya' go! This is a good introductory text on general sequencing theory and tricks, too!

ARP had a sequencer patch chart, in pad form, when the sequencer was first released. I have excerpted sections of the user manual illustrations, and generated a clean 8.5" X 11" (landscape orientation) patch chart as a PDF file. There are areas for patch name, date, and extra notes. The "Externals" column is meant to list external equipment I/O, and allow drawing lines from the patch chart up to the external item in the list, if desired.

Finally! I've located a decent clean copy of the original Sequencer patch chart! Many thanks go out to Mark Chaplin in PA for this excellent find! Here is the original, as implemented by the folks at ARP. I like the staff under the tuning pots! Nice touch!

ARPeggio Newsletters

Many thanks to Rob Williams for this great collection!
Anyone have any more?

A great Odyssey patch chart book by Roger Powell that demonstrates imitative synthesis - synthesizing traditional instrument sounds. Was used in conjunction with a demo recording that walked through the lesson and demonstrated all the patches. Here is an MP3 of the demonstration recording (MP3 - 9.5 MB)

Synthesis Technology

Textbooks

FM Theory and Applications, By Musicians for Musicians; by John Chowning and David Bristow, 1986 - PDF (18 MB)

A book published by Yamaha for DX, SY, and TG owners that covers a lot of deep FM theory, from the man who invented it. But lots of diagrams and charts that help boil it all down for musicians. This is a theory book, and doesn't contain patches or voice programming data. But plenty specific to be able to design FM voices in the FM synth of your choice based on the tutorials presented here.

A great Odyssey patch chart book by Roger Powell that demonstrates imitative synthesis - synthesizing traditional instrument sounds. Was used in conjunction with a demo recording that walked through the lesson and demonstrated all the patches. Here is an MP3 of the demonstration recording (MP3 - 9.5 MB)

Yamaha

FM Theory and Applications, By Musicians for Musicians; by John Chowning and David Bristow, 1986 - PDF (18 MB)

A book published by Yamaha for DX, SY, and TG owners that covers a lot of deep FM theory, from the man who invented it. But lots of diagrams and charts that help boil it all down for musicians. This is a theory book, and doesn't contain patches or voice programming data. But plenty specific to be able to design FM voices in the FM synth of your choice based on the tutorials presented here.

Thanks for looking. Let me know what manuals you are looking for, and I will try to help locate them and get them posted here.